Current Day

The slight hum of the refrigerator greets me as I enter my apartment. The place is too quiet. I set the packages down and glance around the room. There’s a more depressing vibe in the air. With Jax spending more time with Jocelyn, I’ve gotten used to living alone, and it never bothered me—until now.

Now, I want the space filled with Mia’s laughter. Her accusatory tone. Or, best yet, her pants and sweet moans when I’m driving into her. I’m not sure how I thought I could live without her. Mom’s right. I’m not my dad. I know how to treat a woman.

I waste no time and pad across the hardwood floor to the kitchen, Mia’s apartment key tucked securely in my jean’s pocket. Drake met up with me before going to the restaurant to delay Mia. He’s supposed to text when they leave, which means I need to work fast. I have a few items to pick up and need to wrap Mia’s present. It would’ve been more convenient—not to mention prettier—for the store to gift wrap it, but Mom would have my hide. She preaches the gift means more to the recipient if the person takes the time to wrap it themselves. Something about time and effort or some bullshit.

I rifle through the junk drawer in search for scotch tape. Pens, screwdriver, and matches are scattered everywhere. I shove the playing cards to the side, shuffle some papers—we really need to clean this mess up—when the front door bursts open and then slams shut.

What the hell?

Scooting away from the counter, I peek my head around the corner. My stomach drops when I take in Jax’s scowl.

“What’s the matter, bro?”

He growls as he paces a few times and then plops on the couch, dragging his hands through his hair. Only one thing could make him this upset—an argument with Jocelyn.

“Don’t tell me she said no.”

“I haven’t asked yet.”

“Then why are you here and not there?”

“She’s with Carl.”

“Come again.” Jocelyn’s ex-husband is the biggest jerk this side of the country. And that says a lot; we house a lot of politicians. Before the all-star break, Carl almost caused them to permanently split. His scheming plans failed, and other than the court-ordered child custodian responsibilities, Jocelyn was done with him.

“He spent the last two Christmas Eves at her house to be with the kids. The asshole wants to do it again.”

“That’s fu—messed up.”

“Right? After everything he put her through, how could she even consider it?”

“I don’t know because she hates him.” Something isn’t adding up. Jocelyn wouldn’t choose Carl over Jax. No way. “So, you’re, what, kicked out?”

“Pretty much.” He lets out a huff. “At least that’s what it seemed like.”

“Wait. Did she tell you to leave?”

He shifts in his seat and grunts. “No.”

“No?” I glance at the time and cringe. Drake’s text could come soon. I don’t want to let my friend down, but I need to hurry. “Wait. I have to get this wrapped.”

“So, he wants to spend the night, and she agreed?” I ask as I lay the wrapping supplies on the floor. After spreading out the red foil paper, I place her gift in the middle and begin.

“He’s playing her. It’s his holiday to have the kids. He offered to keep the kids at her house if he stays the night.”

“And she’s falling for it?” I reword the question because he never really answered that she agreed to it.

“She didn’t deny it.”

“But she hasn’t agreed?” I fold the flap and tape across the corner and slap a green bow on top. Moving on to the next present, I work at lightning speed. I think these are my best-wrapped presents to date. The gift shop worker has nothing on me.

“Well, no. Not exactly.” He drags out his words and shifts in the seat. But—”

“Then why are you here?” I apply the last of the tape to the slightly crinkly seam and admire my work. Fucking perfect.

“I’m not staying at her house with Carl. And I very well can’t give her a ring with him staring at us.”

My eyes wander to my pathetic tree. A smile forms from the site of the only decoration hanging—a set of pink furry cuffs. My girl is worth fighting for, and so is Jocelyn. He knows this.

“Dude, get your ass back there before she notices you’re gone. Let Carl feel like the outsider.”

He grunts.

“Seriously. She may be taking her time because she needs to choose the correct wordage for her kids. The asshole probably already told them.”

His gaze snaps to mine. “You’re right. That’s what he did last year.”

“Then get your ass back there. Otherwise, she’ll be upset and vulnerable with some douchebag there to console her. Is that what you want?”

“Of course not.”

“Then what are you doing here? That woman loves you.”

“Fuck. You’re right. I’m just… God, I wanted this to be perfect.” He shakes his head and glances at my pile of gifts. “Those look like shit. Jocelyn’s kids could do better.”

Okay, maybe not so perfect.

“It’s the thought and effort behind it,” I grumble.

“You better stick to baseball, dude.” He laughs and rises abruptly. “I got to go before she realizes I left the city.”

“She doesn’t know you left?”

“No, she thinks I’m with Nana.”

“Get going, you have a four-hour drive. As he heads toward the door, I say, “Hey, Jax.”

He turns to look at me.

“Congratulations.”

“She hasn’t accepted the ring yet.”

“She will.”

“As long as I didn’t fuck things up.”

“You didn’t. Now go to her.”

His eyebrows furrow as he eyes me. “You okay?”

I pick the not-so-pretty presents up and glance back at the tree. The handcuffs serving as a reminder of what’s going to be waiting for me.

“Never better.”

“Good. I’m out of here. Have a good Christmas.”

“Plan to.” I smile down at my phone. Just wait, Mia. I’ll make you like Christmas again.